South Carolina mortgage rates typically track with or slightly below national averages. The state's growing economy, affordable inland markets, and competitive lender landscape keep rates favorable. Charleston's tourism appeal and Greenville's manufacturing boom drive strong lending activity. Check our live rate widget above for today's South Carolina rates.

SC Housing's Palmetto Home Advantage program offers competitive 30-year fixed rates with forgivable down payment assistance up to $8,000. The assistance is forgiven after 10 years of occupancy. The program is available to first-time and repeat buyers with income limits of approximately $112,000 for a household. It works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.

South Carolina assesses primary residences at just 4% of market value (investment properties at 6%). Combined with relatively low millage rates, the effective property tax averages about 0.56% for owner-occupied homes. On a $300,000 home, expect roughly $1,680 annually. The homestead exemption for those 65+ eliminates the first $50,000 of assessed value from school operating taxes.

Charleston offers coastal living, historic charm, and a tourism-driven economy, but at higher prices and with coastal insurance costs. Greenville offers a revitalized downtown, strong manufacturing jobs, mountain proximity, and significantly lower home prices without coastal insurance needs. Mortgage rates are the same in both markets. Charleston median prices are typically 40-60% higher than Greenville.

Yes, South Carolina has extensive USDA-eligible areas. Most of the state outside Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville city centers qualifies. Popular areas like Summerville (outskirts), Aiken, Anderson, Rock Hill, and Florence are eligible. The Upstate, Midlands, and Pee Dee regions offer many USDA-qualifying communities with affordable homes and 0% down financing.